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A Public Statement Regarding the Executive Order on Immigration and Refugee Admission

We, the Student Government of the University of Notre Dame, strongly disagree with the recent Executive Order on immigration and refugee admission to the United States and, along with our university president, Fr. John Jenkins, respectfully urge President Trump to rescind the order. We encourage all to understand that this is not a matter of politics, but a matter that profoundly affects some members of our Notre Dame family.

The Executive Order bans entry for persons hailing from seven Muslim-majority countries for 90 days, suspends the admission of all refugees for 120 days, indefinitely suspends resettlement of Syrian refugees, and cuts the number of refugees that the United States pledges to take this year by over half. Additionally, the Order gives priority to religious minorities that are fleeing religious persecution, thus deprioritizing all other asylum-seekers who are fleeing other types of persecution.

As a nation of immigrants, we are founded upon principles of fairness, equality and opportunity for all. We find our identity and strength in our diversity. This diversity should be an attribute that is praised, not viciously attacked.

As a university, we are stronger as a unified group of diverse students, faculty, and staff. Each member of our community shares an equally important perspective, adding to our collective strength in academic research and campus life. The Executive Order challenges our ability to work with classmates and colleagues from around the world who provide insightful knowledge and perspectives.

As a Catholic, and more importantly a religious institution, the Executive Order is a challenge on the very principles for which we stand. We are called to support and care for all people, regardless of their beliefs or national origin. As Notre Dame’s Spirit of Inclusion states, “We welcome all people, regardless of color, gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, social or economic class, and nationality, for example, precisely because of Christ’s calling to treat others as we desire to be treated.” We support all people who are escaping suffering and persecution, and advocate for the love of all people in our world.

To our fellow neighbors, classmates and friends at the University of Notre Dame, we value your presence and support you in your quest to receive an education. We are deeply committed to providing resources to all affected members of the Notre Dame community and encourage you to come to us with needs or concerns. We recognize the difficult circumstances that some of you are personally coping with and we wish to explicitly and genuinely say we are in solidarity with you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.